The word 'Denmark' dates back to the Viking Age and is carved on the famous Jelling Stone from around 900 CE. Today though, Denmark is very different from its historical past. Between the 13th and 17th centuries, Denmark was a superpower whose influence was as powerful as that of the largest European countries. Today, the current size and influence of Denmark is the result of 400 years of forced relinquishments of land, surrenders and lost battles. For a small country though, Denmark still punches above its weight in many different areas including design, architecture, farming, green technology and pharmaceuticals.
The capital city, Copenhagen, has an urban population of 1.2 million with another 2 million in metropolitan areas. Situated on the east coast of Zealand, the city stretches across the island of Amager. Copenhagen is a major financial centre of Europe and 2012 was ranked the third richest city in the world in terms of gross earnings.
The National flag of Denmark, Dannebrog, is red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag. Dannebrog is the oldest flag in the world still in use by an independent nation. According to the legend, Dannebrog was a gift from God and fell from the sky during a battle in Estonia securing Danish victory.
Catholicism was officially established in Denmark with a diocese reporting to Rome in 1104 but after separation from the church of Denmark in 1536, Roman Catholicism became illegal for more than three centuries and Denmark became a largely Lutheran country.
The large Jelling stone set up by Harold I Bluetooth (d.987). The stone is decorated with an image of Christ, and the runic inscription announces that it was Harold who united Denmark into one realm and made the Danes Christians.
Historical Survey
c. 12500 BC Immigration of the first hunters
3900 BC Agriculture and animal husbandry
400-700 Incipient urbanisation
866-867 Viking conquest of York
c.965 Introduction of Christianity
1015-1034 England under Danish rule
1397-1523 The Kalmar Union with Norway and Sweden
1479 Founding of Copenhagen University
1536 The Reformation. Incorporation of Norway in Denmark
1660-1661 Introduction of absolutism
1666 1917 Danish colonies in Caribbean
1807 Bombing of Copenhagen by the English navy
1814 Norway’s departure from the Union
1848 Abolition of absolutism
1849 First liberal constitution, the June Constitution
1864 Loss of the German duchies
1901 Introduction of cabinet responsibility
1914-1918 Danish neutrality during the First World War
1915 Constitutional reform, enfranchisement of women
1920 North-Schleswig vote in favor of re-union with Denmark
1940-1945 German occupation
1945 Founding membership of the UN
1949 Membership of NATO
1973 Membership of the EEC
1993 Membership of the EU
The large Jelling stone set up by Harold I Bluetooth (d.987). The stone is decorated with an image of Christ, and the runic inscription announces that it was Harold who united Denmark into one realm and made the Danes Christians.
Historical Survey
c. 12500 BC Immigration of the first hunters
3900 BC Agriculture and animal husbandry
400-700 Incipient urbanisation
866-867 Viking conquest of York
c.965 Introduction of Christianity
1015-1034 England under Danish rule
1397-1523 The Kalmar Union with Norway and Sweden
1479 Founding of Copenhagen University
1536 The Reformation. Incorporation of Norway in Denmark
1660-1661 Introduction of absolutism
1666 1917 Danish colonies in Caribbean
1807 Bombing of Copenhagen by the English navy
1814 Norway’s departure from the Union
1848 Abolition of absolutism
1849 First liberal constitution, the June Constitution
1864 Loss of the German duchies
1901 Introduction of cabinet responsibility
1914-1918 Danish neutrality during the First World War
1915 Constitutional reform, enfranchisement of women
1920 North-Schleswig vote in favor of re-union with Denmark
1940-1945 German occupation
1945 Founding membership of the UN
1949 Membership of NATO
1973 Membership of the EEC
1993 Membership of the EU
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